- Dog star tested positive for cocaine in samples provided on August 6
- The 29-year-old winger is adamant he did not take the drug
A surprise decision from Bulldogs star Josh Addo-Carr has left football pundits expecting him to be sacked by the club as the superstar continues to battle to clear his name after testing positive for cocaine.
The Bulldogs were knocked out of the final on Sunday afternoon after being defeated 24-22 by speedy Manly in the second elimination final at Accor Stadium.
The result came at the end of a tumultuous ten days for Canterbury, with star player Addo-Carr withdrawing over fears his presence would cause a media frenzy.
The 29-year-old has told club officials he is adamant he did not use cocaine before testing positive for the drug in two samples he gave to police on August 6, and cannot explain the supposedly positive results.
Despite his claims of innocence, Addo-Carr has agreed to a three-month driving ban and a $682 fine rather than take the matter to court, in a move that NRL reporter Phil Rothfield said was highly unusual.
“That will take some time this week but I’m sure there will be a big story later this week and that is the Bulldogs will release Josh Addo-Carr,” Rothfield told Sky Radio’s Big Sports Breakfast on Monday.
“They have to do their due diligence, they have to sort out their legal procedures, but I think he’s ready at the Bulldogs.
‘He still won’t admit guilt, but he did pay the fine, which is a very unusual situation.
There is speculation that Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr (pictured) will part ways with his club after testing positive for cocaine
Addo-Carr has told club officials he is adamant he did not take the drug before testing positive in two samples he gave to police during a roadside check on August 6.
‘I think Josh Addo-Carr will be looking for a new NRL club by the end of the week.’
News Corp NRL reporter James Hooper also believes Addo-Carr will be sacked by the club soon.
“The reality now is that it looks like all roads are leading to a split between the Bulldogs and Josh Addo-Carr,” Hooper told Triple M’s Sunday Sin Bin.
‘Phil Gould has said on record several times that his club would not tolerate such a thing.
‘I think they will eventually split up and he will end up at another club.’
Addo-Carr had requested that the results of the second test be expedited in an attempt to quickly prove his innocence, the Sydney Morning Herald.
“Firstly, I would like to apologise to my team and our fans for all the headlines and discussions surrounding me and the club,” Addo-Carr told the publication.
Top NRL reporters predict Addo-Carr will be sacked by his club soon
‘I know I have done nothing wrong and that my name will eventually be cleared.
“It’s frustrating that the club is dealing with this situation and I feel terrible about it. I want it to be known that I have not taken drugs and I look forward to clearing my name.
‘I want to thank everyone at the club, especially Gus [general manager Phil Gould], [chairman] Adam [Driussi] And [coach] Cameroon [Ciraldo].
‘Until my name is cleared, I will do what is best for the team. My full focus is on today [the elimination final against Manly] and my heart is with the boys.
‘I hope I get the chance next week to show what the club means to me.’